How long does nail polish dry and how to speed it up?
Well-groomed nails are an obligatory attribute of the image of every woman. To create a stylish and fashionable design, nail service masters use varnishes presented in a variety of colors.
Girls and women living in a dynamic life rhythm are worried about how long nail polish dries. Let's look at this topic in more detail and consider ways that will help speed up drying. Let's dwell on both home and professional techniques.
Standard time frames
Any varnish is a special enamel with a coloring pigment in the composition. The average time required to obtain a hard and durable layer is approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Regular varnishes dry faster than glitter varnishes.
The length of time it takes to dry the varnish depends on various factors. The most common of them are the following:
- brand and quality of varnish;
- preliminary preparation of nail plates;
- room temperature conditions and humidity levels.
Consider the possible causes in more detail. Let us dwell in more detail on both the main points and additional ones.
Reasons for long drying
Unfortunately, even the highest quality and most expensive products are not a guarantee of success. Violations in the process of work or the use of low-quality raw materials lead to the fact that the varnish not only dries for a long time, but also falls on the nail plate roughly and unevenly. As a result, bubbles, cracks and other defects appear.
Old products
Despite the huge variety of colors, it is sometimes difficult to find the perfect shade for a specific image or style. Because of what girls use their favorite varnishes that have expired. This practice must be abandoned. Spoiled products will not give positive results. It is highly undesirable to work with such consumable material.
Greasy surface
Some of the fair sex make the same mistake - they apply enamel after using the cream. The oily film formed by the cosmetic prevents the varnish from drying quickly and evenly covering the nail plate. Before starting work, you need to wash your hands thoroughly and be sure to use a cosmetic degreaser.
Layers
To make the color brighter and more saturated, some varnishes are applied in 2 layers. This is a common technique, but it’s important not to overdo it during it. Too much enamel will look rough after long drying. The ideal solution is two thin and uniform layers.
The second time the nails should be covered only after the first coat has dried. It's easy to check, you need to gently touch the surface of the nail. The surface should not be sticky.
You can also touch your lips or put your nail to the nail after the required time period has passed.
Professional advice
In order not to spend a lot of time drying, you should adhere to several rules.
- Cheap varnishes attract buyers at an affordable price, but their quality leaves much to be desired. Manufacturers of such products save on fixer, as a result of which the enamel dries much longer than expensive formulations.
- It is advisable to store the varnish away from sunlight, in a cool place.
- Make sure the lid is tightly closed after each use. Otherwise, the substance will quickly evaporate and lose elasticity. To return the varnish to its previous structure, you can add a few drops of solvent to the bottle, but this method does not always work.
- The brightness of the colors is also affected. Colorants take longer to dry.
How to dry faster?
There are several ways to shorten the drying time of your varnish at home. It is worth noting that if you use the following technique inaccurately, you can damage the coating. Work should be carried out as carefully and leisurely as possible.
The easiest ways
There are many popular ways to speed up the drying of nail plates after applying varnish.
- Drying time can be slightly reduced by immersing your hands in cold water. This technique is very simple and effective, but there is a possibility of enamel detachment. Before using the method just before going out, check its effectiveness in combination with the varnishes used.
- Many of the fair sex use a hair dryer with a "cold air" function. Judging by the reviews in the vastness of the network, this method demonstrates excellent results. The most difficult thing in the work is to get out and turn on the hair dryer, without damaging the still unhardened layer of enamel. It is advisable to prepare the technique before coating. If you don't have a hair dryer on hand, you can use an air conditioner or a regular fan.
- The last popular and effective way is the freezer. In order for the varnish to quickly fix on the nails, you need to place your hands in it for a few minutes.
And also before work, you can put a bottle of varnish in the freezer for a couple of minutes.
Special drugs
The range of products for the nail service surprises with its diversity and versatility. On store shelves, you can find not only enamels in a wide color palette, but also professional formulations used to speed up the drying of the varnish and fix the paint layer on the nails.
Tops (clamps and fasteners)
The most popular and widely used product - chemical dryers, which are called tops or fixers. In appearance, they resemble ordinary transparent varnish. The composition is very easy to use. It is enough to apply it on top of the paint layer and wait for the composition to dry.
The advantage of using is that The fixer will not only speed up drying, but also give the enamel durability and expressive glossy shine. You need to apply the tone in a thin layer, otherwise it is possible to damage the colored enamel.
Spray
Special express dryers are sold in spray format. It is convenient to use them even for beginners. After the design is completed, it is enough to sprinkle the preparation on your hands and wait. The composition of the product contains components that take care of the skin of the hands and cuticles.
Oil based products
It is worth paying attention to the various formulations based on cosmetic oils. Such drugs are not only effective but also useful. The positive effect of oils on the periungual skin has been known for a long time, and with regular use it is possible to solve the problem of dryness and cracks in this area.
Note: all of the listed professional products used in beauty salons can be used at home. You just need to read the instructions for use and follow them in the process. The cost of such drugs is quite affordable.
Features of applying a double layer
Standard nail polish, applied in 2 coats, dries in at least 30 minutes. A quick dry product will take less time. Sometimes 15 minutes will be enough without taking into account the use of special tools and techniques. Professional craftsmen advise to apply the varnish in two thin layers. And also the coating will last longer, and the color will acquire the desired saturation. This method of decorating nail plates is used both when working with ordinary coloring enamels and when using shellac.
You can try applying a bright nail polish in two coats, or cover the nail with white nail polish first and then apply a second, final color.
The second option is great for compositions with fine sparkles.
For information on how to quickly dry nail polish, see the next video.